Rochford District Council is aiming to revitalise the development and use of empty commercial properties across the Rochford District in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council and Castle Point Borough Council, by providing interest-free loans of up to £250,000 for a maximum term of 36 months.
The Southend-led scheme focuses solely on commercial property, with the objective of kick-starting regeneration and supporting new uses for empty premises. This may include alternative commercial, residential, or mixed-use purposes.
Having first secured government funding for the scheme in 2022, many of the original three-year, zero-interest loans to owners and developers have now been repaid, and No Use Empty – South East Essex (NUE SEE) is ready to be relaunched.
NUE SEE is aimed at freehold property owners and developers. Subject to approval, eligible applicants will be able to borrow between £50,000 and £250,000. Loans are provided at zero interest and will be secured by a legal charge.
Loans will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and can be provided either as standalone funding or as ‘top-up’ funding to an existing loan.
Councillor Adi Malviya, Leader and Chairman of Strategy, Finance, Policy and Economic Development Committee at Rochford District Council, said: “Short-term, zero-interest loans have proven to be an effective regeneration tool used previously within the Rochford District, helping owners and developers bring vacant commercial premises back into use and reducing the number of empty properties. The Council is pleased to be working in partnership with our neighbouring councils’ – to make loans available again across the district.”
The NUE SEE scheme is now open. For further details on the scheme and how to apply, please email the Economic Development Team at: Business@rochford.gov.uk
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